Computers For People Inc.

The conditions of the COVID-19 Pandemic have brought to the forefront the difficulties faced by individuals who do not have regular access to computers. From maintaining contact with family and friends during lockdown conditions to accessing remote education and making vaccine appointments, individuals living without computers and internet access are unable to fully participate in society.

Computers 4 People is currently fully volunteer run. Being chosen for the Elevate Prize funding would be a game changer for our organization. We are coming to an inflection point, and in order to scale within and beyond the New York Metropolitan area we will need full time staff and larger office space. Additional funding will allow Computers 4 People to scale and become a long term sustainable organization. Computers 4 People can also be an incubator for volunteers interested in social entrepreneurship.

When I was 15, my friends and I would subway from thrift shop to thrift shop looking to buy, refurbish, and sell computers online. Through this venture and volunteering at my step-mother’s non-profit, I saw how much E-waste was being thrown away, and realized there was an enormous unmet need for access to technology. Therefore, I decided to start the 501c3 non-profit Computers 4 People in my hometown of Hoboken, NJ, to serve NJ & NYC.

In 2019 I obtained 501c3 status, recruited a talented board of directors, created a website/marketing, opened a bank account, implemented the system in which I wanted this organization to run, and successfully completed our first couple donations to local nonprofits. In 2020 we scaled even more with the start of Covid-19 including: partnering with a dozen more non-profits, automating our systems, donating over 100 computers, receiving our first grants, and being featured in a Verizon mini-documentary. 2021 has been the most exciting year by far: I am now working full-time with multiple volunteer interns, moved into our first office, donating 15 computers per week, featured on ABC news, and more.

I envision C4P being nationwide within the next couple years, Hoboken being our headquarters.

The Digital Divide is defined as the gap between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not. As more services are digitized and move online, this gap has widened and reduced access to these services for people without computers. A recent estimate from the Boston Consulting Group concluded up to 12 million K-12 students in the United States were still lacking computers and or internet connection going into 2021. We don’t have formal statistics about adults, however from the need C4P filled in the past we’ve seen the gap for adults is even larger. 65% of our computers go towards individual adults to access education, job search, and connectivity.

Computers 4 People is positioned to bridge the digital divide as it is dedicated to collecting, refurbishing, and donating computers to individuals and organizations in under-resourced communities to promote equity and access to opportunity. Providing access to this technology is crucial, and C4P offers a scalable solution. By saving, refurbishing, and donating these computers C4P doesn’t only help people, but helps reduce toxic e-waste. The outcome of access to technology allows low income individuals to access opportunities that were previously closed off to them.

The unique blend of automation through proprietary technology, local partnerships, community outreach, and social entrepreneurship makes Computers 4 People stand out.

While other organizations understand the necessity of computers in today's world, few are able to reliably and consistently provide free computers for their clients in need. Many nonprofits have programs to assist with job search and education support but do not have the ability to afford working up to date computers for their clients. Computers 4 People is a unique program because we focus specifically on bridging the digital divide in order to get people in need the resources that are required in this day and age. By offering pickup and drop-off services to both applicants and donors, C4P provides a free easy service that helps under resourced individuals, but also takes weight off of other nonprofits shoulders which betters the community as a whole. Being based in Hoboken, New Jersey, we are partnered with some of the largest nonprofits in New York City while also partnering with small local homeless shelters and community centers. Our unique model and carefully thought out automation makes our organization easily scalable to help more people in need.

Computers 4 People’s main program revolves around the process of collection, refurbishment, and donation, in which everything is done through our website forms. Computers 4 People  has spent the last year perfecting and automating our process to efficiently handle scaling. Our proprietary system automates every part of the process from picking up computers to donating computers to individuals in need.

Every individual in need must submit a written statement about themselves and what they will use the computer for and a recommendation from a non-profit, school, or place of worship they are a participant of. Every two weeks our application committee reviews the applications and approves the individuals that fit our mission. Then we assign volunteers to drop-off specific donations to the referring organization. This allows us to donate multiple devices at one time and distribute computers in an environment everyone feels safe in.

These computers have allowed a variety of people including: students, families, seniors, formerly incarcerated individuals, homeless individuals, and more access valuable online tools. Through these computers our clients have been able to apply and get jobs, get an education, connect with family and friends, and many more positive life changing opportunities.

Current: 869

In One Year: 4500

Currently, 30% of our computers go to small to medium sized non-profit organizations. These are either setup as computer stations for many of their clients to use or for the non-profit volunteers/workers to continue their amazing service. Therefore, each computer benefits between 10-100 individuals either directly or indirectly at these organizations. The other 70% of computers donated go directly to under-resourced individuals in need. To date we have donated 395 computers impacting at least 869 individuals across organizations and individual donations allowing access to school/educational resources, email, job search/resume writing, connecting with family, and many more online tools. 

We are now donating between 10-15 computers per week. By increasing our capacity in the next year we are planning to donate an average of 20 computers per week equaling 1000 computers donated in a year and at least 4,500 individuals impacted. By reusing computers we are also saving 20,000+ pounds of toxic E-Waste from going into landfills/being burned and polluting water, soil, and air.

Our impact goals are based on improving Quality Education where currently Remote learning remains out of reach for at least 500 million students. We measure progress by the number of computers we can donate out per week. We are currently at 10-15 and plan to increase that to 20+/week.

We currently receive 2-3 applications a day, therefore, the need for 20 computers per week is seen right now, but cannot be met with our current capacity. As we partner with more non-profits, our client numbers will increase as they nominate more applicants. Each non-profit has nominated between 3-80 individuals. We are partnering with 1-3 new non-profits every month. Our goal at Computers 4 People is to donate as many computers to people in need as possible, which is why we are focused on maximizing the amount of computers we can refurbish and donate. Our clients receive a post-donation survey 60 days after they receive their computer asking about the quality of the device and the impact it had on their life. Our outcomes, 95% of the time, include our clients finding or maintaining employment, continuing or enrolling in educational programs, and connecting with support systems. 

To date we've grown entirely through volunteer efforts and smaller grant contributions. Being awarded the Elevate Prize would be a game changer for our organization. We are coming to an inflection point, and in order to maintain and scale operations within the New York Metropolitan area we desperately need full time staff and a larger office space. We need to hire two employees including a Program Director and Computer Technician. The Program Director will manage the application process, assigning volunteers to pick up computers, communicating with the Computer Technician on what computers are needed, and communicating with donors, applicants, and partners. The Computer Technician will work to refurbish computers' hardware and software. They will also work with and train volunteers to assist in refurbishing computers. Therefore, Dylan Zajac can concentrate his time as Executive Director towards strategic growth, partnerships, and marketing. For the past five months we’ve worked out of a 230sqft office that is rapidly getting too small. We are currently looking at larger warehouse spaces in Hoboken. We don’t yet have the funding for any of this, Additional funding will allow Computers 4 People to increase capacity and become a long term sustainable organization. 

Computers 4 People has excelled in catching people’s attention through our unique founding, team, marketing materials, mission, and clear impact. Now some even recognize our green logo in public from seeing news articles or TV appearances. As an Elevate Prize winner we would certainly want to create larger media campaigns to make Computers 4 People a well-known trusted non-profit organization in NJ, NYC, and around the country. This will drastically increase the number of computers individuals/companies donate to us, therefore allowing us to have enough inventory to serve more communities. We currently post at least once per week on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, sharing pictures of recent donations and exciting updates/news. We would like to scale our social media following, especially on Instagram, to increase and keep donors, supporters, and volunteers up to date on our organization. The more people that support our organization through word of mouth, computers, monetary donations, and service, the more people we can help through our programs.

Our leadership and Board invigorates our organization with passionate age diverse amplifiers and supporters of our mission; they contribute in a consequential and impactful way to our continued success. Dylan Zajac, who founded Computers 4 People when he was 15, constantly strives to improve on diversity/inclusion of clients served, as well as diversity/inclusion of volunteers and leadership members. We are regularly looking for new nonprofits to partner with and currently serve a variety of individuals ranging from young students to senior citizens with an array of different backgrounds and experiences. Dylan has had the pleasure to work with a diverse group of volunteers and interns. Easterseals NJ’s SCSEP program is paying a senior citizen, named Kenel, who came to the US from Haiti when he was 15, to intern with Dylan. Kenel shares his experiences in the business world and works 25 hours per week, while Dylan teaches Kenel how to use a computer from the beginning. Our board and team has the goal that in order to promote equity and ensure that the voices of our clients are at the leadership table, we are striving to recruit board members from communities of those we serve.

The ambition, skills, and talent of our Executive Director and Board have made us an ever-improving and well-equipped team to conquer the digital divide. Our board features a well rounded and experienced cast of members: Sally Bowman - Non-profit Deputy Director, Paul Zajac -Technology Executive, Kevin Quist - Expert in financial services for non-profits, Daniel Pogoda - Attorney, Sonia Vashi - Pediatrician. Our unique approach to donating computers is guided by the non-profits we partner with, as they know their clients' needs best. Dylan Zajac has a conversation with each non-profit partner and walks them through our application/recommendation requirements for each client. Applications are approved based on recommendations of trusted counselors, clergy, and teachers without a lengthy individual vetting process. In addition, we also directly donate computers to nonprofits with budgets under $250,000. The whole process is guided by our proprietary custom automation system which significantly reduces manual steps.

Dylan Zajac has been present at all 395 computers donated, they are more than just cursory interactions, we develop meaningful relationships with clients. We keep in touch with all clients and ask for their feedback 1-2 months after the donations to make sure they have the tools to succeed.

Up until January, I ran the organization out of my bedroom. My closets, filled with computer parts, and our donated storage unit (which was supposed to be vacated nearly a month prior) was overflowing. COVID or no COVID, I couldn’t have volunteers working in my bedroom, or meeting with upper management of AT&T in our living room.   

Hoboken is known for its steep rentals and no realtor would work for a 17-year-old kid who could not legally sign a lease, open a bank account or even drive for that matter; but I was determined to find us an official space.  We had some money from donors and small grants. After much perseverance, I finally was able to find a viable space in Hoboken and aggressively negotiate the price down to $600/month for a 240 sq/ft office. 

I painstakingly organized the details for the big move. Then, three days later, I tested positive for COVID. All my carefully laid plans, the actual contract, started to unravel. Still, I refused to give up, I was so close. Quarantine days were spent renegotiating terms and reassuring everyone that I could, and would see this through. 51 Newark St #302.

Please click the titles to access the links:

ABC7NY News

Verizon "In The Know" Mini-Documentary

The Hoboken Library "Get to Know Your Neighbor" Podcast

Computers 4 People being chosen as an Elevate Prize winner would be a game changer because it would allow us to increase capacity in order to become a long term sustainable organization. Increasing capacity means hiring a full-time program director and computer technician, renting a 1000-1500sqft workspace, having more volunteers to pick up and drop off computers, and automating processes even more. Dylan Zajac currently volunteers 50-60 hours a week managing almost every aspect of Computers 4 People. Dylan has built a very strong foundation however our board and team agrees its not sustainable, we need paid staff. We need at least $150,000 to set Computers 4 People on the right track for the next 12 months.

This funding would allow us to donate at least 1000 computers, impacting over 4500 individuals, and saving 20,000lbs of toxic E-waste from polluting the environment. Also if we have the funding to rent a larger office space we also hope to hold computer literacy classes for clients that are interested. We have already discussed partnering with organizations and volunteers to help run classes: Girlz Love Tech, The York Street Project, and The Hoboken Library.

Computers 4 People partners with over 30 non-profits that nominate and recommend individuals in their programs to apply for a computer. These organizations range greatly in size and type of clients served. For example, we have donated over 100 computers to under-resourced senior citizens in Easterseals NJ and Riseboro’s programs. We work with The Fortune Society, BRC, The Odyssey House, and Community Access which have programs that target formerly incarcerated individuals, homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse. We have given over 40 computers to immigrants, refugees, and asylees through Welcome Home Jersey City, Sapna NYC, and The Lighthouse Jersey City. We also work with many organizations that work with youth such as The York Street Project, Haven Adolescent, True Mentors, Boys Hope Girls Hope, Community Lifestyle and have just started a scholarship program for graduating seniors that can’t afford a computer for college. This month we donated 4 laptops to seniors in Hoboken High School. We hope to expand this program to many high schools in the next year.

We partnered with AT&T and Connected Nation to distribute 50 free WIFI Hotspots to K-12 students. This program was a great success and we are discussing expanding the partnership.